On Thursday September 5, 2019, Mary Ellen (Hauck) Seth of Minneapolis, passed away. Preceded in death by her husband, Col Suman Seth MD USAF, granddaughter, Collette, and multiple poorly behaved rescue dogs. Survived by son, Milan (Beth) Seth of Ann Arbor, MI, daughter, Mona (Kevin) Rawlings of Mendota Heights, MN, sister, Catherine (Tom) Jackson of Portland, OR, beloved granddaughters, Emmy and Davina, and numerous friends and colleagues.
Born November 2, 1945 in St. Louis MO, Mary eloped to New York City in 1964 to begin her life with Suman Seth. Until his tragic death in 1993, they lived an adventurous life. Together they traveled the world. When Suman gave up private practice to join the military, Mary was right at his side. A dedicated military spouse, Mary could move in and out of a house in lightning speed and throw together a dinner for 30 with 24 hours’ notice.
While her children attended school, Mary led by example, graduating with honors from SUNY-Plattsburg (BA) and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (MBA). Her children fondly remember studying side by side at the dining room table.
After several years working in the financial industry, she started her career as a business instructor at Metropolitan CommunityCollege in Omaha Nebraska. Passionate about teaching, Mary dedicated herself to improving the lives of families with young children through education. She taught in impoverished communities and even in prisons. Devoted to lifelong learning, Mary returned to school to study accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant in her fifties.
In 2004, Mary moved to Minneapolis to be closer to her daughter and join the staff of Normandale Community College until her retirement in May of 2016. Beloved by her students,Mary received many teaching awards over the years, andtouched the lives of thousands.
Mary loved her rescue pups and would often be seen walking them around Linden Hills. She was notorious for hosting dinner parties for friends and neighbors. She adored her granddaughters and loved to host them for sleepovers and sharing popovers at Dayton’s Oak Grill.
Due to failing health, Mary moved to the Water’s of Highland Park (St. Paul) in 2017 where she lived until her death. Mary’s children are eternally grateful for all the love and support received from Mary’s friends, church community, former colleagues and the staff of the Waters, Legacy Home Health Care and Aseracare Hospice.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for September 28 at 1 pm at St John’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Sheridan Ave S, Mpls. Reception to follow service.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations sent to Mary Ellen Seth Scholarship Funds at Metropolitan Community College Foundation (Omaha, Nebraska)or Normandale Community College Foundation (Bloomington, Minnesota).
Published on September 8, 2019
